**CREAK**
The door swung open, and the boy's face lit up with excitement. "Raghu!"
Raghu entered, a warm smile on his face, and sat beside the boy. He offered him the apples, his eyes shining with kindness.
"Eat... ea," Raghu said in broken English.
The boy's gratitude was palpable as he accepted the gift. "Acche!" (Good!) he exclaimed, his smile wide.
Raghu's anticipation turned to delight, his eyes sparkling with pleasure.
"Umm," Raghu replied, his contented hum filling the air.
Raghu sighed, his shoulders sagging in frustration. "Haah! Kash hum dono ek dusre ki bhasha samajh pate." (Ah, wish we could understand each other).
The boy looked at Raghu, perplexed, his face clouded with disappointment. "Umm..."
Raghu's expression turned resolute, his jaw set. "Haah! Kaam pe chalo." (Let's go to work).
The boy remained still, confusion etched on his face. Raghu grasped the boy's hand, guiding him toward their tasks.
As they walked, Raghu cautioned, "Dhyan se kaam karo, pichli baar ki tarah kuch bhi nahi karana." (Be careful, don't do anything silly like last time).
The boy looked up, unsure.
Raghu pulled the boy's hand and dragged him to the work. They both went to the work and this time Raghu told him not to do anything silly like last time and ask him if he doesn't understand anything.
After a long day of work, Raghu and the boy shared a quiet lunch together, enjoying the warm evening sun.
The boy strolled through the serene surroundings, mesmerized by the stunning pillars adorned with vibrant flowers. Their delicate petals swayed gently in the breeze, releasing sweet fragrances into the air.
As he walked, the boy immersed himself in the tranquil atmosphere, reveling in the soft warmth of the sunset. The sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of hues - soft pinks, blazing oranges, and gentle purples.
The evening's quietness enveloped him, a soothing balm for his weary soul. The boy's footsteps echoed through the stillness, punctuating the symphony of nature.
With each breath, the world seemed to slow, allowing him to appreciate the beauty that surrounded him. As the boy was on his way back towards his quarters, he accidentally stumbled upon a disturbing scene unfolding in a nearby alley.
A man and woman were engaged in a fierce quarrel, their faces twisted with anger. The air was thick with tension. The boy attempted to slip away unnoticed, but a sudden, sharp slap echoed through the alley, making him turn back.
The woman, her eyes blazing with fury, spat at the man, who retaliated with a flurry of slaps. The boy's heart sank as he watched the brutal scene unfold.
Compelled to act, the boy stepped forward, grasping the man's wrist. "Stop!" he commanded, his voice firm and authoritative.
The man spun around, his face contorted with rage. "Mind your own business, boy," he snarled. "This doesn't concern you."
The boy stood firm, his piercing blue eyes locking onto the man's. "I may not know what happened between you two," he said, "but I know this is wrong. It must stop."
The man sneered, his lip curling. "A peasant lecturing me on right and wrong?" he mocked.
The boy's expression remained unwavering. "Even a peasant knows harming the weak is wrong," he declared, his voice steady.
The man's eyes narrowed, his gaze intensifying. For a moment, the two locked eyes, the air charged with tension.
Suddenly, the man shook off the boy's hand and stormed off, leaving the woman shaken but unharmed.
The boy turned to the woman, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?" he asked gently.
She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.
She ran away, leaving the boy bewildered. He retreated to his bedroom, unsure what to do.
After a solitary dinner, he prepared for sleep, but little did he know another trouble was waiting for him.
**KNOCK KNOCK**
"Now what is this?" the boy thought, assuming it was a bird or cat.
As he pulled back the curtains, he was startled to see Princess Indra.
"Oh, hello there," she said with a charming smile.
"What are you doing here? How did you even get here?" the boy asked.
Indra stepped into his chambers. "That's for another day."
"But it's the second floor! How did you...?" the boy trailed off.
Indra pointed to the tree outside the window. "From there."
The boy's eyes widened. "From the tree?"
Indra nodded. "Yes."
The boy struggled to believe a princess could climb trees.
Indra's eyes sparkled. "How many times must I repeat?"
Still in shock, the boy processed her sudden invitation.
"I'm leaving for the carnival. Want to come?" Indra asked shyly.
"What? But it's nighttime!" the boy exclaimed.
Indra teased, "Why? Are you tired?"
The boy swiftly replied, "No."
Indra's eyes gleamed. "So, will you come with me or not?"
The boy stammered, "I... I will... certainly."
Indra smiled mischievously. "So... Let's go."
To be continued....